Roger Hedgecock and KOGO radio live at Toussaint Academy!
On Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Roger Hedgecock broadcast a live show from the Toussaint Academy of the Arts and Sciences at Fifth and Ash in downtown San Diego.
If you missed the show, you are invited to read the TAAS student profiles presented here and listen to their amazing stories.
Interviewee Profiles
Aaron (17) has lived at Toussaint for over a year and a half.
After escaping a dangerous situation in Florida, Aaron found himself in California without a home. Today Aaron is developing his exceptional artistic abilities, volunteering regularly, and looking towards a promising career in animation.
“Toussaint has opened so many doors for me and it has renewed me creatively and I think there is also a spiritual renewal here.”
Listen to Aaron's story (Aaron_pt1.mp3:3.9MB)
Quinnton (17) has lived at Toussaint for over 10 months.
Growing up in a household where verbal and physical abuse was not uncommon, one day Quinnton found himself literally thrown out on the doorstep with his belongings in a black trash bag. Since that fateful day, Quinnton has graduated from high school a year early, enrolled in college, and is holding a steady job.
“This is my chance to make something of myself.”
Listen to Quinnton's story (Quinnton_pt1.mp3:2.7MB)
Chris (18) has lived at Toussaint for over 8 months.
With his dad in jail, Chris spent most of his time in and out of the homes of his relatives. Now with a stable home at Toussaint, Chris is looking to the future.
“I’m hardworking and I’m willing to really learn.”
Sonia (21) moved into TAAS in 2003.
Unable to get a job as a runaway teen, and wanting more than to continue staying on friends’ couches, Sonia ventured from Chicago to San Diego to better her life. Having grown up in a house where she was constantly told she would never make it, today Sonia is breaking barriers and excelling by working, going to school, and dreaming big.
“I’m always going to be thankful to TAAS for what they did for me.”
Listen to Sonia's story (Sonia_pt1.mp3:2.4MB)
Cody (18) moved to Saint Vincent de Paul Villages with his family when he was 13.
Having experienced financial difficulty after moving to Mexico for work, Cody’s family returned to San Diego and sought assistance while living at the Joan Kroc Center. Now a freshman on a full-ride scholarship at UCSD, he attributes his strong media arts education at TAAS, and the assistance of SVdP for helping him and his family get back on their feet.
“Young people should know not to sell themselves short.”
Listen to Cody's story (Cody_pt1.mp3:1.7MB)
Maria (22) moved into Toussaint in 2003.
A runaway teen at 16, Maria was living in parks and group homes before coming to Toussaint. Having learned from her own life struggles, today she is focused on creating a positive environment for her one-year-old son.
“Now it’s all about teaching my son about things so he doesn’t have to live a life like I did.”
Monika (17) has lived at Toussaint for 3½ years.
After an unfortunate costly medical situation left Monika’s family unable to financially make it on their own, she was hesitant to move into Toussaint. However, after 3½ years of strong grades and growing responsibility and independence, today she realizes she has the potential to accomplish great things.
“I feel as though I have changed in a more positive way than I expected.”
Omar (16) came to Toussaint 2 years ago.
With financial troubles and frequent arguments at home, Omar found himself struggling at school and overcome with worries. Now with a safe and supportive environment, this future police officer’s main focus is on keeping up his grades and excelling on the sports field.
“The thing I like about football is that it keeps me motivated and it keeps me from doing bad things like drugs and violence and hanging around with bad people.”
Juan (25) entered what was then the Toussaint Teen Center, over ten years ago.
Orphaned at 14 and living with an abusive stepsister, Juan cautiously escaped to the Toussaint Teen Center in hopes of starting a new life. Knowing firsthand the difficulty of overcoming a rough childhood, today he helps at-risk youth through his work with an outdoor outreach program.
“Now I am in a position where I can actually give an opportunity that was given to me, I am able to pass it down to the next person.”
Listen to Juan's story (Juan_pt1.mp3:3.6MB)
Adrian (21) moved to Toussaint when she was 15.
Unable to stay with their mother, Adrien and her sister moved to Toussaint when she was 15 years old. Today she is a successful graduate in the aftercare program, taking care of elderly people and working towards her degree in nursing.
“If I can do it, you can do it.”
Sarali (20) moved to Saint Vincent de Paul with her family in 2005.
Sarali spent most of her childhood moving between Fresno and San Diego, and said she feels as though she returned an adult when she moved into SVdP with her family in 2005.
“My dream is to come back and work here.”
Agnes, grandmother of two Toussaint graduates.
Unable to care for her teenaged grandchildren when their mother stepped out of the picture, two of Agnes’s grandsons found a welcoming home at Toussaint. Today both of her grandsons are settled with jobs and growing families. Agnes credits Father Joe’s assistance for helping see her family through their time of need.
“This can happen to any family.”
